Ram Mandir Trust Revamp: Ex-Air Marshal Chosen As First CEO Ahead Of Uttar Pradesh Assembly Polls

The Ram Janmabhoomi Trust is set to announce retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra as its first Chief Executive Officer following a comprehensive selection process. Over 5,500 candidates initially applied for the post, which was shortlisted down to three before the trust decided on Mishra. The appointment comes in the wake of an embezzlement controversy and the formation of a Special Investigation Team, prompting the board to establish a CEO role to oversee administrative and security matters. In addition to the CEO selection, the trust appointed three new trustees—Mahesh Bhargava, Nirmala Yadav, and Madan Mohan Pandey—filling vacancies created after the resignations of Champat Rai and Anil Mishra, and the passing of Vimleendra Mohan. The trust is scheduled to formally brief the media on the official appointment, newly outlined CEO responsibilities, and changes regarding the Public Relations Officer and deed regulations.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is holding crucial meetings in Ayodhya to finalize the appointment of its first Chief Executive Officer and Public Relations Officer. The selection process, which commenced in July following embezzlement allegations, evaluated 5,585 applications before shortlisting key contenders. The frontrunners under consideration include former Uttar Pradesh IPS officer Rajesh Pandey, former Bihar cadre IPS officer Paresh Saxena, 2005 batch IAS officer Yogeshwar Ram Mishra, and 2012 batch IAS officer Dr. Dinesh Singh. Additionally, the trust has inducted three new members—Madan Pandey, Mahesh Bharchanda, and Nirmala Yadav—to fill posts left vacant following the departures of Champat Rai, Anil Mishra, and Vimalendra Mohan. Possible changes to the trust deed are also being discussed as administrative operations are restructured.

As catastrophic flash floods hit Nepal, the death toll has crossed 1,000, with nearly 4,000 people still missing. India has intensified relief efforts, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announcing that a fifth aircraft carrying an 11-member rescue team, specialised equipment, and 5.5 tonnes of essential medicines has departed for Nepal. Indian rescue teams are actively involved at the Chilime Hydropower Plant, while MEA confirmed 163 Indians have been rescued so far. Actor Sonu Sood has also reached flood-affected areas in Nuwakot, urging global assistance alongside Sood Charity Foundation, Lions Foundation, and Khalsa Aid. Meanwhile, local rescue operations continue across devastated regions over the Trishuli river using rope bridges to evacuate stranded residents.

A BJP protest in Karnataka's Kalaburagi turned chaotic after former MLA Rajkumar Patil Telkur allegedly smashed a biker's helmet on the ground. The incident occurred in front of the Deputy Commissioner's office during an agitation demanding drought relief and inclusion of Sedam taluk in the drought-hit regions list. BJP workers engaged in a heated argument with the commuter who attempted to pass through the protest, and deflated the tyres of the two-wheeler. Police personnel intervened to control the situation and dispersed the crowd.